Socioeconomic risk factors for mortality and readmission after surgery for bowel obstruction: An analysis of the Nationwide Readmissions Database

Background: Small bowel obstructions (SBO) are one of the most common surgical emergencies, but they remain a major cause of high morbidity and mortality in patients with previous history of abdominal and pelvic surgery. Socioeconomic factors have not been extensively studied in surgical management of SBO. Methods: We queried the 2016 NRD database for all surgically managed admissions ≥18 years of age with a primary diagnosis of SBO. The primary outcomes for this analysis were index admission mortality, 30-day mortality, and 30-day readmissions. Multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to examine the association between predictors and primary outcomes. Results: Medicaid patients had a higher likelihood of index admission mortality. Medicare and Medicaid patients both had higher likelihoods of 30-day readmissions.results Conclusions: Careful consideration should be taken before deciding the optimal surgical approach in patients with SBO. Medicaid beneficiaries and those with existing comorbidities should receive careful post-operative follow-up to ensure optimal outcomes.conclusion